Brigade-General? What the hell...

Totally unexpected...

Like every Monday morning, before I go to work I do a quick login to check my IM's and get a copy of last night's meeting log.

To my surprise I found several congratulations in my inbox. It made me happy, because it could indicate that I received a promotion to O-6, Oberst (colonel). Opening the IM's and responding them, I found this IM of our leader:

[18:40] Christoph Naumova: Not here for your Kommand promotion

[18:40] Christoph Naumova: tsk

[18:40] Christoph Naumova: tsk
[18:40] Christoph Naumova: motha
[18:40] Christoph Naumova: fuckin
[18:40] Christoph Naumova: tsk

I was totally surprised. With a trembling hand I opened the main group's groups notes. I opened the notecard attached to it, and went all the way to the bottom of the card, because Christopher usually calls out the promotions at the end of the meeting. I browsed a bit up and there it was:

[18:49] Christoph Naumova shouts: First promotion tonight is of Combateer into the position of K-1, Brigadegeneral, in Vanguard.
[18:50] Christoph Naumova shouts: This was requested and accepted via all the Kommand at the Kommand meeting.
[18:50] Christoph Naumova shouts: Congratulations to Combateer when she shows up to hear it.

On days like this I really hate the obligations of my real life... I really feel the need to talk to my comrades. Why did I deserve that honor? I am not special, active nor overwhelmingly skilled in combat.

I shared my feelings with Pyetra, one of my brothers in arms. In this case it is a sister, but who cares. She told me what makes me important is that I help people when I am around.

For me that is true. As an officer the wellbeing of the troops is the utmost concern. This is in my view the only way to earn respect. If that was the reason for my promotion, I am really proud of my achievement.

Love you all!!!

Having a blast & Christmas shopping

I decided to take on Raven Raiders with 8 brave Vangaurds. Soon after we deployed our attack their allies of Silver Hawk assisted them in battle. We managed to lock the defending forces in their base and occasionally made it into it.

Although the raid as such was a succes, the lag during the battle was immense. I decided to change the attack to the C.A.T.I. forces.

In C.A.T.I. we found that we were outnumbered 12 vs 8. 20 soldiers in a homestead sim is the maximum number, so there was no way to get more back-up in. I ordered the troops into two 4 men squads, each taking on one of the targets.

This divided the focus of the defending troops and it was just a matter of time untill one of the two defense clusters would fall. When that happened, all our force was focussed on that particular defense point.

Perhaps because of our effective strategy, the C.A.T.I. commander decided to deploy a tank into the battlefield. I ordered tanks to be deployed also, and for a moment we had a real tank battle going on.

However, the battle was locked and we were not able to breach their defenses anymore. After 1 hour of attacks I ordered withdrawel and congratulated the men on another great battle.

Shortly after the battles, my mother called me and asked me if I would like to go christmas shopping with her. My lovely mother gave me this new outfit. Yes, I will be wearing a golden dress with Christmas!

New looks...

Every now and then I feel like a total make-over. Sometimes for a short time, sometimes for a longer period. After using Curio skins for some time, I bought a Dutch Touch skin. Owner Iki Icarus is a fellow dutchman and I have been wearing her clothes for quite some while. I really love her lingerie.

Quite a different look, right? What do you guys think? Keep it or back to the old "Deunan Knute" styled avatar?

Seasons Greetings!

Wednesday, december 1st.

We always get stray visitors at Verklund. They are a safety risk, after all we are a military base. On the other hand, we like to be good hosts. Like any army we are always looking for new recruits. So standard procedure is, checking for arms on a safe distance. Then get closer and have a chat, trying to find out what the intentions of the visitor are. Usually these are very pleasant conversations and we don't get any trouble.

When there was some more base presence I selected a few brave Vanguards and we went for the Legionaires of 2REP. It was a nice 4 vs 4 skirmish where we managed to grab their flag quite a few times. It was a nice fight and I think both sides proofed to be good sports.

Also Mum payed me a visit. It was the first time after I moved into the house. She told me she liked my interior a lot. We talked about the news, the things in life and all the usual stuff a mother and daughter talk about around the kitchen table. Love you Mum. /me blows a kiss!

The sacred soil of Verklund

Vanguard Prime, or Neo Verklund, is the primary city and home of the Vanguard Armed Forces. Currently located on the moon of Hiraxis .Verklund, homebase of the army I proudly serve.

This futuristic Metropolis has seen epic battles. Soldiers have been wading through pools of blood and piles of spent guncases, to defend this base from enemy forces from all over the grid.

Somewhere in this sim, there is a green spot. A park. Like a little reservate to salvage the last few trees in this concrete and neon jungle. A place were me and my brothers in arms hang out. Plan our attacks or discuss the past battles. A spot to exchange the news on the grid, but also talk about personal issues amongst friends.

The military base is situated underneath the city. Meetingrooms, armory, offices are located there. This stronghold is our last line of defense. Behind the blastdoors of this corridor is my office.

Not often used, I must say. I use it to do my paperwork, discuss serious issues and training students of the Officer Academy.
Some admirer placed a plant in the corner. What a contrast with the grey grim furniture.

Home, Sweet Home.

I just finished my house.

Where the Verklund base is a grey futuristic moon base, with a small green park to compensate the urban atmosphere a bit, my home is classic. Old fashioned. I have a small cottage, close to the sea, in the backyard of Mum's mansion.
My whole family, apart from Dad, lives here.
Let's me take you on a small guided tour...

A little overview of the living room. On the far side is my working corner, to the left my fireplace, to the right the livingroom and in front the diner.

Me at my desk, writing this blog at the end of my workingday. As you can see I am in my formal uniform.

Some time to think the day over. My little moment of meditation, watching at the flames in the fireplace.

Final stage before going to bed, a nice warm bath to relax body and mind.

I love my big bed, nice, warm and soft with lots of cushions and blankets to curl up and sleep

I love the morning sun. Waking up, with it's rays warming my skin. Sipping my Operations coffee.

I hold high combat morals, but since our former opponents, the Merczateers, have the best coffee on the grid, I luted a life time supply.

I am happy I did... I don't think I will see the city of Badnarik for a long time.

Time to go to work, leaving the empty cup on the dining table...

Behind my house, my transport to my work awaits.

I really must ask the Führer for a company car. It might take some more travelling time, but at least the neighbours will stop complaining.